Reading; An Adventure…

My grandma always tells me that books can take me anywhere; whether it be Germany in Soldier “X” by Don Wulffson, or Australia in the Tomorrow series by John Marsden.  If they can take me anywhere, then I know they can take all of you places too; all you have to do is crack open a book and get down to it.

I’ve read books that surprised me by sending me to places I didn’t expect to go when I first cracked it opened. I’ve been to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the Marked series by P.C. Cast, a place that used to be known as North America but is now Panem in The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and even to the UK in the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling. Though books are most definitely great for taking you places, they can give you so much information about things you never even knew existed.

            The Marked series is about vampires, of course considering that’s been the major hit since Twilight, that go through different obstacles while also being distracted with the troubles of teenage life. This series of eight books so far, has taken me to Oklahoma, Scotland, and even to an island in Greece. This series alone has taken me to places I haven’t had the privilege of seeing in person.

            The Hunger Games is technically set in North America but is no longer called that, but Panem. Panem consists of 12 Districts and a capital simply labeled Capitol. Original, right? This world brings out imagination by having people dyed pea green with blue hair and metallic gold eye liner. Taylor Duke, a senior here at Lake Hamilton, says about the books, “I liked how she [Suzanne Collins] made these extraordinary characters deal with extremely difficult situations that allow teens to make associations with the consequences of certain decisions and the confusing well of emotions that stir within us.” So, basically the books relate to us as teens while adding an adventurous twist that helps trigger the imagination.

            Another series is the Harry Potter series, which is, once again, about teenagers. These teens are quite special though, they have the gift of wizardry. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are the main characters and are the ones most commonly faced with major obstacles they must overcome. These three teens go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; Hogwarts is located in Scotland but there are also references to London, which is where the famous Harry Potter lives during summers.  Though these books vary from 300-800 in page numbers, once you start reading you can’t put the books down! There is so much action packed into each and every page of this series. Westan, a junior at LH says about the series, “It’s interesting to read a book that is set in a place I’ve never had the experience of seeing in person.”

            These books are all found in our own library here at Lake Hamilton and were recommended by fellow students. Many people in LHHS have read these books and they are also quite well known to communities other than our own school. So if you would like to know more about the books ask a librarian or even a fellow student.  

Though it may take slight effort to make yourself sit down and read, in the end it’s completely worth it. Reading books set in different countries, worlds, and past times, gives you knowledge about places you’ve never even been! There are so many books out there and there is no excuse for not reading; Lake Hamilton has an incredible library with great librarians who are there to help at the first question. Read, let your knowledge grow.

 -Nikki Haak